NYS Music 20​14

Category: Regions

  • Alice In Chains Level The Landmark Theatre In Syracuse

    Nearly 2,500 people crowded to downtown Syracuse to witness the arrival of Alice In Chains, who made their first appearance Central New York in over a decade at Landmark Theatre. The grunge gods are still releasing great music with the critically acclaimed rock album The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here which was released last year and have been touring the world in support of that album.

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    This was my first time ever seeing a rock show at The Landmark Theatre. The place still has an eerie yet beautiful feeling to it due to the historic structure. The entire place is seated and crammed; however, I don’t think anyone cared.

    Canadian hard rockers Monster Truck had the pleasure of opening for Alice In Chains. They graced the stage at 7:30PM, played a very stellar 40 minute set and were well received by the fans. If Led Zeppelin and Lynyrd Skynyrd had a love-child in the modern era of rock music, it would most certainly be Monster Truck. Most of the songs they played were very jazzy with a flare of southern rock. While a very entertaining band, Monster Truck really shined during their slow and bluesy song “Through The Sun.” Their use of drums, guitar, and keyboards along with vocals and bass from Jeremy Widerman makes them a force to be reckoned with. I would expect this band to break out shortly.

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    Alice In Chains started their 18-song set shortly after, with massive production, killer and crystal clear sound, massive stage lights, the whole nine yards. They started off with “Them Bones, ” doing a great job mixing it up between their well known hits, as well as their album cuts and new material. Keeping the tone heavy, they went into “Damn That River” and “Again”, before they went into their new material such as “Check My Brain” and “Hollow.”  Also let me point out that this was the first time during what I call the “Duvall-Era” of Alice In Chains where William Duvall is front and center of the entire band. Duvall has done a sensational job of filling in the shows of arguably one of the greatest singers that ever lived, the late Layne Stanley.

    The highlight of the entire show was “Rain When I Die.” The duel harmonizing vocals of Duvall and Jerry Cantrell is nothing short of amazing. And another highlight was “Nutshell.” Cantrell displayed some of his best lead guitar skills during “Stone” and actually stopped midway through the song to fire up the crowd.   They wrapped their set with their super heavy “We Die Young” before closing with their Vietnam War themed “Rooster.” The band came back out for a three song encore of “No Excuses,” “Got Me Wrong,” and their dark hit “Would.”

    Overall, it was a fantastic show. Easily one of the best hard rock tours of this year. Cantrell addressed the crowd and said they hope to return to Syracuse real soon.

  • Modest Mouse Brings Some Added Excitement to Cooperstown This Memorial Day Weekend

    What better way to kick off Memorial Day Weekend, the unofficial start of summer, than at an idyllic venue in Cooperstown, NY, with none other than indie rock legends Modest Mouse! Brewery Ommegang, known for producing a rich (and strong!) Belgian-style of beer in a part of the state that has traditionally been a large producer of hops, has also gotten into the concert business, and hosts bands on a stage in the field behind the brewery itself. There is always ample space to move around, and lots of tasty food options from local vendors available on the edges of the field during the concerts. Continuing its tradition of hosting bands that don’t typically tour as often as many other jam bands, but that you’ve secretly always wanted to check out (like Cake and Wilco, to name just a couple of bands who have played there in recent years), Brewery Ommegang is proud to be presenting Modest Mouse on Friday and Saturday, May 23 and 24!

    An American indie rock band, founded in 1993 in Washington State, Modest Mouse’s sound has often been likened to bands ranging from the Pixies to Built to Spill. While Modest Mouse’s line-up is constantly evolving, two of the band’s founding members, singer/guitarist Isaac Brock and drummer Jeremiah Green, seem to be mainstays, having gotten their start rehearsing in a shed next to Brock’s mother’s trailer home. The band’s current line-up, in addition to Brock and Green, includes percussionist Joe Plummer, guitarist/keyboardist/bassist Tom Peloso, guitarist/vocalist Jim Fairchild, and bassist Russell Higbee. Continuing in their tradition of playing eclectic venues, having played in such a unique venue as the McCarren Park Pool in Brooklyn (which has since gone back to being used as a public pool!), and about to play a show later in the summer (on August 9, to be exact) at Forest Hills Tennis Stadium in Queens, Modest Mouse is nice enough to include Cooperstown’s own gem of a venue on their roster.

    Both shows will be starting at 7PM, with the gates opening at 5. On May 23, Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls will be opening the show, and on May 24, the opening band will be Brand New. Camping is available onsite as an option for those who are planning to partake in the tasty goodness of Ommegang beer. Tickets for this event cost $45 in advance, or $60 with camping pass included, although both shows are sold out. Visit www.ommegang.com for information. (If you are lucky enough to be seeing both Friday and Saturday nights’ shows, and are looking for something fun to do during the day on the Saturday in between, it happens to be the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s 75th anniversary this year, and they are kicking off the celebration this weekend, which includes a Game Day Parade and the Hall of Fame Classic baseball game going on on May 24! Check out their website, www.baseballhall.org, for more information.)

    Modest Mouse will be back in our area in the not-too-distant future, when they return as part of The Hudson Project, which will be taking place on Winston Farm, home of the 25th anniversary of the Woodstock Festival, in beautiful Saugerties, NY, from July 11-13. For more information on the rest of this summer’s Modest Mouse tour dates, check out the band’s website at www.modestmouse.com.

  • Ben Mauro Celebrates Sold Out EP Release Party

    Just back from an overseas tour with Lionel Richie, Ben Mauro returned home to the Central New York area to not only relax and catch up with family and friends, but also to launch his new EP, Take Your Time.  In an interview with Ben last month, I not only had the opportunity to talk to him about this upcoming release party, but I was also able to review the new album and touch on what inspired the tracks.

    Ahead of the show, I joined Ben as he came to speak with the local television station here in Utica, WUTR TV, to give viewers an insight into the release party as well as a sample of music to be played.  What better setting for the interview than at Utica Classic Guitars, a shop owned and operated by Robert Acquiviva, a music business icon in the Utica area.  Surrounded by guitars, Ben sat down to talk about his experiences, the upcoming EP release party, his show “Let’s Go with Ben Mauro”, and life as a guitarist and musician on the road.

    As the day had finally come for the release party at Shifty’s Bar & Grill, best known for their Open Mic Night’s on Wednesdays, the place was completely sold out and packed to capacity to a much-anticipated crowd.  Joining Ben on stage that evening was his SAMMY Award winning backup band, Phoenix Eleven, featuring Greg “Goose” LaPoint on drums, Joe Grosvent on bass, and Max McKee on guitar and vocals, as well as special guests Deyquan and Yajha Bowens on keyboards and vocals, and Al Cutri on saxophone.  Also joining Ben on stage were good friends and musicians Ricky Chisolm, who Ben once played with in a band, and his musical instructor Rick Balestra who joined in with his electric guitar.

    The night was an amazing mix of new releases, old favorites, and some amazing covers of Johnny Cash, The Eagles, and of course Lionel Richie and the Commodores. All in all, it was a great time!  [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YCE4f-DTw4]

    The crowd loved his new music and was blown away by his amazing guitar playing.  Life came full circle for Ben as he returned to celebrate at the very spot he first got up on stage and played in front of a live crowd, except this time it was sold out just for him.

  • Schwing! B3nson Does Blue: Tribute to Weezer at The Low Beat Tonight!

    Tonight in Albany, The Low Beat on Central Ave will host a night dedicated to the familiar sound of the 90s, Weezer. Members of the neighborhood B3nson Recording Company will come together to form B3nson does Blue: a tribute to Weezer. The cover fee is $5 with the show set to start at 9pm with The Pistol Whips. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Weezer’s Blue Album released on May 10th, 1994. This album helped launch their career with such songs as “Buddy Holly” and “Say It Ain’t So.” The age of music videos was also still alive then, and with help from director Spike Jones, Weezer became a mainstream success. So get ready to get jiggy with it, crimp your hair, throw on a slap bracelet, and grab your homies for a night of the nineties.Dan Maddalone, singer and guitarist for Barons in the Attic, was and still is a proud Weezer fanatic. He had time to chat about tonight’s show and all things Weezer related.

    Susan Rice: How has Weezer’s music influenced your music? They are classified as “unashamed nerd rockers.” Can you relate to this?
    Dan Maddalone: I listened to Weezer a ton during High School. Their album Pinkerton made me feel feelings I didn’t know existed and I always loved their songs and videos. I am a nerd and I feel no shame ever so I guess I can relate to that. Also, everyone covering them this Friday are nerds too, so I’m sure they relate as well. They’ve personally influenced my music by helping me love pop melodies and heavy guitars.

    SR: The name of the band you are playing with is named after The Benson Recording Company/Family. Which members belong to which band?
    DM: The B3nson Recording Collective is an entity that has existed since 2009. It’s a group of friends that help each other out, make records (60+ so far!), and put on shows. We also do RestFest, which is a big concert that happens every August. This band is comprised of members from bands within the collective. Matt Ferguson from Rival Galaxies, Steve Stanley from Careers and Bear Grass, Adam Zurbregg as curator and former Sgt. Dunbar bassist, Eric Krans from The Parlor, and Tim Koch from Dunbar and the Parlor.

    SR: Have you seen Weezer live before?
    DM: I saw Weezer live in 2010. It was in Massachusetts somewhere outside of Boston. They crushed it. I know they’ve gotten “lame” as time has gone on, but I suppose that happens to most bands. They’ve lost their “cred” according to everyone and yet it’s funny, as you talk to people and the older they get, the earlier they got shitty. Brian Bell (guitarist for Weezer) once said “you can’t truly be a Weezer fan unless you are disappointed in what the band’s currently doing”. But if you go see them, you will not be disappointed.

    SR: There are multiple ways that artists pay tribute to other musicians. Do you plan on playing the album note for note or improving a bit? Are you more celebrating the album itself turning 20 or you are just that big of a Weezer fan?
    DM: Anything from listening, to singing karaoke, to playing, or recording a band’s music can pay tribute. We’re attempting note for note, but these songs are quite tough. The dudes shred and we’re just using this as an excuse to crank our guitars real loud and party. 20 years is just a good reason to book a show and hangout at The Low Beat.

  • No Still Life at The Kirkland Art Center when The David Wax Museum Performed with Rusty Belle

    On May 2nd, The Kirkland Art Center hosted the much-anticipated David Wax Museum with opening act Rusty Belle.  As I entered the venue to prepare for the evenings photos, I knew I was in for a treat the minute I took note of the stage.  Foreshadowing for what was to come, I found a myriad of musical instruments, some common, some not so much.  Makeshift instruments, including coffee cans, baby shoes, canteens, washboards, and donkey bones, scattered across the stage as a hint of cultural sounds in store for us that evening.

    As Rusty Belle took the stage, this trio of musicians jumped right into the mix, treating audience members to a back home, feel-good, foot stomping, “what music is about” performance.  Comprised of brother and sister, Matt and Kate Lorenz along with friend, Zak Trojano, these three bring a distinct twist to their bluegrass sound.  Their unique approach using commonplace items brings you back to what it was like generations ago when music was a celebration of friends and family gathering to just enjoy the sound and each other’s company.  With our fast paced lives, Rusty Belle brought us back to those times and totally entranced the audience with their music.

    As David Wax, Suz Slezak, and the band members took the stage, the audience was primed with anticipation for their set to begin.  Clearly I was amongst a huge following and was excited to see what was in store as a newcomer.  They certainly didn’t disappoint either.  Their amazing mix of Americana and Mexican variety melted together with a distinctive sound all their own.  With the use of a donkey jaw bone as one of the instruments of the evening, the sound added a cultural percussion that amplified the effect even more so.  Numbers such as “Knock Knock Get Up”, “Harder Before Its Easier”, and “Yes Maria Yes” are only a few of the songs that sealed the fate noting them now as one of my favorite live shows to see. Joined on stage by Rusty Belle on a few numbers only exaggerated an already outstanding performance by this group.  As they all unplugged and came out into the audience, it was apparent why this band is held in such high esteem by followers.  Their connection to their music, each other, and their audience captivates and casts a spell over those in proximity.

    Even though the performance was held in an art museum, there was no still life in any proximity of this group. Audience members were dancing, clapping, stomping, and singing along as though they were part of the performance.  As the show ended, one could only feel as though they had truly experienced what American music is all about.  The blend of bluegrass, mexican, rock, country, jazz, and funk gave these two bands their unique sound, but also brought those in the room back to the roots of what music was all about: a celebration of family , friends, and the sounds around us in the art of music and culture.

  • Get Strange at StrangeCreek Music Festival Memorial Day Weekend 2014

    Wormtown Trading Co. will host the 12th annual StrangeCreek Music Festival next weekend, May 23-26, 2014 once again at Camp Kee-Wanee in Greenfield, MA. The Memorial Day weekend event will host a diverse lineup with multiple stages, cabin jams, a silent disco and plenty of food and craft vendors. Major headliners include Rusted Root, Donna The Buffalo, Ryan Montbleau and two shows each from Max Creek and Zac Deputy. Click here for the weekend schedule of StrangeCreek.

    strangecreek 2014A portion of the StrangeCreek Campout tickets will be donated to Camp Kee-Wanee, an inclusive children’s summer day camp of 33 wooded and open areas, with an emphasis on arts and fostering self-esteem. Strangers Helping Strangers will be conducting a food drive with proceeds going to local food pantries, be sure to bring non-perishable food, toiletry, feminine or personal hygiene or baby product donation.

    For those eager to start the weekend and a chance at prime camping spots, there is a Thursday Early Entry fee for $30 a person at the gate starting at 5pm and is cash only with no ATM on site. The Early Entry Fee also treat’s guests to Cabin Sets with performances by Love Whip, Gratefully Yours and Van Gordon Martin Band. Gates open at 9am on Friday and the campgrounds will close on Monday at 1pm. Weekend tickets are still available only $125 with Sunday Day Passes available for $50, including night camping. RV Passes are sold out. All tickets bought online will be available at Will Call and you MUST bring a picture ID. Click here to purchase tickets today.

    The Festival is family friendly, offering secluded Family Camping and plenty of activities for kids of all ages at the Kids Cabin and TEEN Scene. There will be a Holistic Village offering group activities to engage each person’s mind, body and soul. Don’t forget your discs for your chance to explore the StrangeCreek Disc Golf Course. The night will light up with the community bonfire plus the FireWormz Fire Show each night. The festival has become a tradition of music, community and camping in all kinds of weather for fans that wouldn’t have any other way.

    With over 60 musical acts, has broken it down to FIVE acts you need to see at StrangeCreek: The Hornitz, Wild Adriatic, Eastbound Jesus, The Primate Fiasco and The Juicy Grapes.

    The Hornitz is a dynamic duo from Boston creating big band sound as they use horns, keys, live-looping equipment and their beatboxing skills to form high energy dance parties.
    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pp6XInb9ROw]

    Wild Adriatic one of Upstate’s own is a trio of pure rock n roll with more than enough soul to go around.
    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mS8ZNOt3Li8]

    Eastbound Jesus is a Northern Rock band from Upstate with a dedicated following due to their hard hitting bluegrass and foot stomping Americana.
    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYBJwJNJ2EE]

    The Primate Fiasco is best described as a psychedelic dixieland, creating parades of music down every street where ever they go.
    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=742PkGAIf4s]

    The Juicy Grapes are based out of Connecticut with funky and soulful rhythms to get you grooving, blended with some light rock melodies.
    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CU7GbyreJcM]

  • Poughkeepsie Wanted Rock and Volbeat Delivered

    Poughkeepsie was long overdue for a rock show on Tuesday night when Volbeat, Trivium, and Digital Summer came to town. The Mid-Hudson Civic Center was beginning to fill up when Digital Summer hit the stage early. Kicking things off early didn’t stop anyone from getting right into it. The hard rock newcomers had the stage presence of a headlining act, getting the crowd moving with their contagious energy. Most impressively, the band featured 13 year old Austin Rios on drums, who could easily give his much older peers a run for their money.

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    Trivium kept the night going, powering through a 45 minute set packed with hits. The guitar driven tracks were accompanied by the powerful vocals from frontman Matt Heafy, who got the crowd jumping and singing along on tracks like “” as well as the band’s latest single, “Strife”. They saved he best for last, building up anticipation with an eerie drum intro and light show to match before kicking things into high gear one last time. Mosh pits broke out while the entire audience screamed “In Waves” each time the chorus hit.

    Despite being entertained by a surprisingly musical soundcheck, fans began to grow anxious for headliner Volbeat to take the stage. Just before 10pm chants for the band were met with the dimming of the lights. They immediately  jumped into “Doc Holliday”, featuring the first of countless solos from guitarist Rob Cagiano. Amid hits such as “Lola Montez” and “Heaven Nor Hell” singer Michael Poulsen joked around with the crowd and talked about some of his influences growing up, including Johnny Cash. A cover of “Ring of Fire” fit Poulsen’s voice perfectly, with the audience drowning him out on occasion.

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    With an extensive catalog to choose from, the band did their best to fit in a few songs from each, including energetic dance along track “Sad Man’s Tongue” from their 2007 release Rock the Rebel/Metal the Devil. Fans were in for a treat on “Evelyn”, when Trivium’s Matt Heafy and Corey Beaulieu joined Volbeat on stage. Heafy provided the screams on the heavier track, with Poulsen’s distinctive voice on the chorus, making the crowd go absolutely insane for the all-star combination. Following “Still Counting” the audience were desperate for more, chanting for one final song until the band finally made their return. The 4 song encore came to a close with older tracks “Thanks” and “The Mirror and the Ripper.” The punk rock tracks had the audience jumping along from front to back for one last time. Simply put, Volbeat are a fun band to see live. For both old and new fans, it’s nearly impossible to not dance along with a smile on your face throughout the entire set.

  • Al Kooper to play 70th Birthday Show at The Egg Saturday May 17th

    Al Kooper will be celebrating his 70th Birthday with a performance at The Egg tomorrow night, Saturday May 17th at 7:30pm.

    The legendary musician will be joined with his group the Funky Faculty, guitar virtuoso Jimmy Vivino and some very special unannounced guests. Tickets are still available for $35 and can be purchased at The Egg Box Office at the Empire State Plaza, by telephone – 518-473-1845 or online. This show will be part of The Egg’s continuous American Roots and Branches concert series, celebrating the classic music that still continues to influence generations today.

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    Al Kooper is a legendary musician with a career spanning 50 years whose trademark organ riffs can be heard on classic recording by The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Tom Petty, George Harrison and countless others. He was especially close with Bob Dylan, playing with him for many years live and in the studio, and is well-known for his work on “Like a Rolling Stone.” Kooper played a key role as a member of The Blues Project, Super Session and Blood, Sweat & Tears. Don’t miss your opportunity to catch a part of Rock n Roll history tomorrow night as well as an awesome birthday party.

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  • Summer Camp 2014 Will Warm Up Festivalgoers for a Hot Season

    This year marks the 14th year of the ever-growing Summer Camp Music Festival set to take place at the Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe, Illinois during Memorial Day weekend, May 23-25, 2014. The over 15,000 festival goers expected to attend will nearly triple the population of the small town, as it is infiltrated with music lovers from far and wide. Since Summer Camp’s start in 2001, it has grown from 1,000 people, 20 bands, and 2 stages to 15,000 people, 100+ bands, and 7 stages.

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    Over the years, Summer Camp has been the home of numerous world-renowned acts and artists including moe., Umphrey’s McGee, The Flaming Lips, Willie Nelson, Bassnectar, Widespread Panic, Les Claypool, Keller Williams, Pretty Lights, Skrillex, The Roots, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Medeski Martin & Wood, and many more. Not only can one find a combination of bands that can rival any big festival around, but it also has a considerable number of local NY acts in the lineup as well. Bands like Dopapod, Floodwood, Turkuaz, Auto Body, Jimkata, The Manhattan Project, Aqueous, Big Leg Emma, and moe. will be highlighting New York and the enormous amount of talented musicians that our state is home to.

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    moe. is a band that really speaks for itself. Since 2001, moe. has been making a name for themselves around the country and the world, playing  festivals all over and even having their very own moe.down Music Festival. Dopapod, Jimkata, and Aqueous are becoming veterans of the music festival scene. They have made appearances at shows like Burning Man, Bonnaroo, moe.down, and Gathering of the Vibes, ever increasing their reputation as seasoned festival musicians. Big Leg Emma and Turkuaz and just now making their way to the bigger venues, such as Summercamp, as they continue to make a name for themselves as soulful funk and folk musicians that can be appreciated by all.

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    Besides Summer Camp Music Festival’s stellar lineup and prime location at the beautiful Three Sisters Park, there are countless activities for music lovers to partake in during their down time, if they choose to have any. There are five main stages and at least three smaller tent and indoor sights to see music as well. One of the big attractions for when your not out enjoying the wide selection of music, is the Soulshine Tent. This tent is an education and entertainment mecca for festivalgoers. The tent has everything everything, including a live art gallery, hands on permaculture display, yoga, hoola-hooping classes, and last but not least, live glass blowing.

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    Besides being one of the country’s top stops for music and fun this summer, Summer Camp Music Festival is always looking at the bigger picture through their sustainable initiatives and non-profit involvement. Known as “The Summer Camp Green Team,” hundreds of volunteers will be on sight to assist campers in disposing properly of their waste and to sort recyclables. The campgrounds are filled with clearly marked color-coded waste bins, many biodiesel generators, composting areas, and environmental education centers. There is also a special “Make a Difference” area at Three Sisters Park, where the many non-profit groups are set up for campers to donate and learn about local and global causes. It is obvious that the organizers of Summer Camp have more on their mind than music and profit and that the environment and local communities are deeply seeded in what is important to them.

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    Again this year, Summer Camp Music Festival is sure to prove itself as one of, if not the top music festival in the country. From the countless artists and performers both internationally and locally known, the numerous other spots for entertainment and education, and the general happy-go-lucky vibe that will make sure any person in attendance can feel the love, Summer Camp is undoubtedly the place to be this summer. It is a place people of all backgrounds and musical interests can go and enjoy themselves, have new experiences that will stay with them for a life time, and feel good about doing it, knowing your impact on the earth is as minuscule, yet as positive as it can be.

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    Tickets are available at Summer Camp’s Ticket Central or ETIX at  1-800-514-ETIX. General 3-Day General Admission tickets are on sale now for $214.50.  

  • Fozzy Rocks in First Appearance in Poughkeepsie at the Chance Theater

    A very diverse crowd of roughly 200 people came to the Chance Theater in Poughkeepsie on Friday May 9. Some people there were huge WWE fans there to support their idol Chris Jericho. Some people were hardcore Hatebreed fans there to support Jaime Jasta’s side project. Others were there for a killer rock show. Whatever the case was, doesn’t change the fact that Fozzy, Jasta, and Kyng blew the roof of the Chance Theater.

    This was actually my first time at the venue. The place may be a little run down, however, the sound is great, the staff is personable, and there is not one bad view of the stage from anywhere in the building.

    After a set from local Anti-Mortem, Kyng played a loud 40 minute set around 8:40. With their new release Burn The Serum out, Kyng is continues to play songs off the album very hard and loud, and of course never afraid to give the crowd a good laugh between songs. Couple of highlights of their set was their latest radio hit “Electric Halo” and their cover of Van Halen’s “Hot for the Teacher.” And of course it’s not a Kyng show without someone being picked on that’s standing there with their arms crossed.

    Jasta stormed the stage around 9:50. This was my first time seeing Jasta’s solo project. Let me be the first to point out that it’s NOTHING like Hatebreed and it’s NOT hardcore. It’s a different side of Jasta. It’s more of the melodic metal side of him. I actually found it pretty amazing that outside his hardcore grunts, screams, and brutal vocals that we are used to hearing, he’s actually a damn good singer. In this band he really showcased that. He even joked to the crowd saying “oh my god, the Hatebreed guy can actually sing a note or two!” He also stated to the crowd that this was only his twelfth time EVER, that he played live with this solo project. His set consisted of his solo CD Jasta, (which was released summer 2011.) with songs like “Something You Should Know,” “Scream From The Sanctuary,” and “Enslaved, Dead, Or Depraved.” Also, props to his solo band. Jasta confirmed that they got together just this one show and really didn’t rehearse much. No one ever would have known that if it wasn’t pointed out. The band was so on key and so clutch that it felt like they were together for years. Towards the end of the set, Jasta played Kingdom of Sorrow’s “Enlightened to Extinction” which I thought was the best part of the show. Closing the show, Jasta aimed to please the wrestling crowd by playing the Hatebreed song “Last Breath” which they dedicated to The Ultimate Warrior, who just passed away recently. Overall an awesome set from Jasta. Hopefully Jasta will get the chance to do a full tour with this outing soon.

    Fozzy finally graced the stage around 11:15PM. Frontman and WWE Superstar Chris Jericho had his famous jacket on with all the lights on it. Fozzy opened up with 2 new songs “Do You Wanna Start a War?” and “Lights Go Out” which is off their upcoming album Do You Wanna Start a War?, due out in July. At first it almost seemed the vocals were overpowered by the loudness of the band but the sound crew adjusted accordingly. Jericho is a very charismatic frontman, and Rich “The Duke” Ward and the rest of band looked like they were having a blast on stage. Throughout the entire set, the crowd kept chanting “Fozzy!” over and over so the band was feeding off of that. Most of their set consisted of songs from “Sin and Bones” which the band toured heavily for the last couple of years. Highlights from their set include “To Kill a Stranger” and my personal favorite, “Martyr No More.” Another fun moment during the set, Jericho demanded crowd participation for “God Pounds His Nails.” The band wrapped up their set with their anthem “Enemy” and “Sin and Bones.” But came back for a two song encore of their radio hit “Sandpaper” and a cover of Krokus’s “Eat The Rich.” A very stellar 13 song set from Fozzy. They’re rapidly growing as a band and seem to breaking the mainstream rock and metal scene with the more material they are releasing. I also believe that Chris Jericho is slowly becoming known for the frontman for Fozzy than the WWE Superstar.

    Overall, a great show. Kind of an odd combination of bands, but that’s what made the experience much more unique and exciting.